Yes, you can get PTSD from a car accident, even if you walked away without visible injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a recognized mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Car crashes are a leading cause of PTSD in civilian populations, especially when the incident involves serious injury, loss of life, or a perceived threat to one’s safety.
Symptoms often appear days or weeks after the crash and may interfere with sleep, work, driving, or even routine tasks. While physical wounds usually receive immediate care, psychological injuries can linger much longer without treatment.
In both Missouri and Kansas, PTSD caused by a motor vehicle accident can be the basis for a personal injury claim if it results from another party’s negligence.
Speaking with a Kansas City car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and determine whether your emotional trauma qualifies for compensation under state law.
How Legal Support Can Help With PTSD After a Crash
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand that the emotional toll of a collision can be just as severe as the physical injuries.
Our firm has helped clients across Missouri and Kansas recover compensation for emotional trauma, including diagnosed PTSD, when the crash was caused by someone else’s carelessness.
With over $1 billion in combined settlements, jury awards, and judgments, we know how to present mental health claims that insurers often try to minimize. Because the Kansas City metro area spans both states, the laws that apply to your case may differ depending on where the crash occurred.
Missouri law tends to be more favorable toward emotional distress claims than Kansas law, which requires evidence of a physical manifestation of the trauma. We tailor our legal strategy based on the jurisdiction, always aiming to build the strongest possible case.
Common Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident
PTSD affects individuals differently, but several core symptoms are commonly seen after a traumatic crash. These include:
- Intrusive thoughts: Flashbacks, recurring nightmares, or distressing memories of the accident
- Avoidance behaviors: Staying away from vehicles, driving, or accident-related locations
- Heightened arousal: Trouble sleeping, irritability, or feeling constantly on edge
- Emotional detachment: Loss of interest in daily life or difficulty connecting with others
To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must meet specific clinical criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). These symptoms must last more than one month and cause significant disruption to personal, social, or professional life.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
What Missouri and Kansas Law Say About Emotional Distress
The rules for emotional distress claims are not the same in every state. Here’s how each state handles these cases:
- Missouri: Emotional distress claims, including PTSD, are generally allowed even without a physical injury. Courts will evaluate whether the trauma is serious, diagnosable, and clearly related to the accident. Expert testimony from mental health professionals is often required.
- Kansas: PTSD claims usually require a physical manifestation of emotional distress. This could include things like panic attacks, insomnia, or physical symptoms that stem from the mental health condition. Kansas courts refer to the standard set by Hoard v. Shawnee Mission Medical Center, which emphasizes the need for medically documented, severe distress.
Understanding which legal standard applies is especially important in border communities like Kansas City, where a few miles can change the rules governing your case.
Proving PTSD in a Personal Injury Claim
Unlike physical injuries, PTSD cannot be seen on an X-ray or confirmed with a blood test. That makes documentation even more critical. To successfully pursue compensation for PTSD, your case must include:
- Medical diagnosis: Confirmation from a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist
- Ongoing treatment: Records of therapy sessions, medications, or counseling
- Causal connection: Evidence that directly links the PTSD to the car accident
- Impact on life: Testimony or documentation showing how the condition affects your daily activities, relationships, or ability to work
At Foster Wallace, we know how to gather and present this evidence in a way that meets the legal standards of Missouri or Kansas. Our relationships with medical professionals and trauma experts help us build a case that reflects the full extent of your emotional suffering.
Why PTSD Deserves Full Compensation
PTSD can affect every part of your life. Many people struggle to return to driving, maintain their work performance, or interact socially. Others experience long-term anxiety, depression, or isolation. These effects are just as real and damaging as broken bones or concussions.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emotional distress: Mental anguish, anxiety, and psychological pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Medical and therapy costs: Counseling, medication, and other treatments
- Lost wages: Time missed from work due to symptoms or treatment
We believe emotional injuries should be taken seriously, and we work to ensure our clients receive the full amount they’re owed—not just for visible injuries, but for the lasting impact of trauma.
Start With a Free Consultation
If you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms after a car accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers offers personalized legal support to clients in Missouri and Kansas.
With 45 years of combined experience, we are committed to helping victims of emotional and physical injury recover the compensation they deserve.
Start with a free consultation today to find out how we can help you move forward with strength, clarity, and support.
